Providence, Rhode Island

Providence has been affectionately nicknamed the “Creative Capital,” which makes it the perfect destination for you, Pisces.  A diverse town enriched with art, culture, and history, Providence was founded on the basis of liberty and inclusion.  Home to universities like Brown and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), this city caters to artists and incentivizes them to follow their passions by issuing tax breaks to local creators, meaning there are plenty of fun, artsy places to explore.

Of course, Roger Williams Park (which spans more than 425 acres), Federal Hill (Providence’s version of “Little Italy”), and Thayer Street (a trendy, urban neighborhood loved by students and other locals) are all great starting points for your trip.  They are filled with quirky shops, local eateries, and museums to keep you well-entertained. 

But — if you’re looking for an alternative way of exploring the city — take a spooky tour by lantern light with Providence Ghost Tours! This small, locally- and woman-owned business prides itself on authenticity, and each of the guides has a personal connection to the stops on their tours, making each tour a uniquely spine-tingling experience.  If you visit during the Halloween season, you can even dress up in costume — and they pass out treats to ward off the spectral tricks!

Providence is said to have been the home of the first 24-hour diners, and West Side Diner is an almost perfect replica of one of the first diners from the nineteenth century!  Its expansive menu is full of classic, nostalgic favorites like stuffed French toast, savory pattie melts, and delicious burgers.  However, unlike the original diners, West Side Diner is only open until 2pm, so you’re going to want to make sure you get there early to try all their signature favorites. 

Afterward, be sure to stop by Candy4Pennies, the last candy shop in new England that sells candy by the piece rather than by the pound.  You can purchase candy for as little as 3 cents!

If you visit between the months of May and October, you may be able to catch one of the luminescent WaterFire nights, where the rivers throughout the city are lit by floating bonfires that illuminate the night as boats filled with musicians and other art installations drift downstream.  This festival is free to attend (unless you take a boat or gondola ride along the water), but donations are encouraged to support this celebration of art and life.

Biscayne National Park, Florida

It may be located within view of Miami, but this national park feels like a whole other world than the bustling metropolis. 

The park, itself, is over 95% water, so it’s easiest to navigate by boat, whether that be a personal fishing boat, canoe, or kayak — or a rented boat or through an official tour! — Jones Lagoon is one of the best places for kayaking and paddle boarding.  It’s a shallow area where, long ago, Israel Jones and his family bought the land then known as Old Rhodes Key and grew pineapples and key limes.  Today, it’s a quieter area located away from motorboat traffic and filled with sea turtles, jellyfish, and other aquatic life. Overall, it’s a peaceful experience that allows you to really soak in the atmosphere of the park, but be sure to keep a look out for any sharks that may be stumbling through!

Snorkeling and scuba diving are a must if you visit this park.  Not only because the park protects one of the largest and most beautiful reef systems in the world, but where else would you get the opportunity to explore centuries-old shipwrecks?  Only accessible by boat, you can traverse the Maritime Heritage Trail to indulge your fantasy of being a mermaid and getting up close and personal to the remains of shipwrecks from as early as 1878!  Reservations for a guided tour must be made well in advance by calling the park’s visitor’s center.

If you don’t have your own method of water transportation, you can also explore the park through guided tours, like the ones offered by Biscayne National Park Institute.  From fun snorkeling adventures or paddle boat experiences to educational heritage tours that take you through the history of the park, Biscayne National Park Institute has it all to ensure you can make the most out of your visit.  Plus, the Institute is a non-profit, and all proceeds go towards supporting the park, itself — so while tickets may be on the pricey side, you can feel good knowing your money is spent maintaining the beauty of Biscayne.

There are a few short (but gorgeous) hiking trails to explore, like the Elliot Key Loop and Boca Chita Key trail, but the waterways are the park’s main draw.  We couldn’t find a national park better suited for you, Pisces, than one where you can spend all your days basking in the sunshine on the crystal-clear water.

The Isle of Skye, Scotland 

Fairies and kelpies and giants, oh my!

This tiny island located off the Northern coast of Scotland’s highlands is chalk-full of magic and mystery with a rich and fascinating folklore.  Plus, isn’t it every Pisces’ dream to live amongst the faerie folk?  Well, visiting the Isle of Skye is the closest you’re going to get!

Keep your eyes peeled as you visit the Fairy Pools or the Fairy Glen. If you were going to spot a “tiny one” zipping amongst the foliage, these would be the places.  You can also tour Dunvegan Castle, Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited castle, or hop on a boat for a seal trip and get up close and personal with these adorable aquatic creatures living in Loch Dunvegan.  Maybe you’ll see a kelpie swimming through the waters, as well?  And you have to pay your respect to the Old Man of Storr, the giant who, when buried, left his fingers sticking out, which formed the rocky and majestic cliffside you can see today.

If you’re up for the challenge, you can attempt the Skye Trail — a 7-day trek meant for advanced hikers and hillwalkers only.  It’s an unofficial trail, so some parts of the path are unmarked and will have to be followed strictly by a map, a compass, and your superb navigation skills.  If you think you’re up for it, the trailheads start at Rubha Hunish in the north and Broadford in the south.  While the trail is difficult and strenuous, the views as you traverse through a majority of this spectacular island are legendary.

Aside from the breathtaking landscape, there are plenty of fun, outdoor activities to keep you entertained. Paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, and mountain biking are all offered through multiple different companies throughout the island.  You can take a guided tour, or just go off on your own to connect with this mystical landscape on your terms. 

If you’re looking for a magical escape to help you reconnect to your inner muse, then the Isle of Skye is the place for you.  But be warned — accommodations on this island book up quickly, so be sure to make your reservation at least 3 months in advance.  The sooner, the better, because this is one destination you don’t want to miss!

If you do go to Scotland, look out for mentions of the Robertson clan (also known as Clan Donnachaidh) — the clan of the founders of Rogue Ramms!  Interested more in the background of our company?  Learn more about us here.